The council, following discussions with police, have now said Earth Hour, a worldwide environmental event involving lights being turned off for 60 minutes, will be cancelled.

Social Democrat spokesman for the council, Ann-Sofie Andersson, said: “Earth Hour is a good and important event, but this year we chose to have the street lights on in view of what has happened. We want everyone to feel safe.”

Chief Constable Stephen Jerand added: “The police think it’s a very wise move and that the municipality made a good decision.

“Keeping the lights on creates security and is in line with our common efforts to increase security under current conditions.“

Vigilante groups have formed in Ostersund with some even joining police in nightly patrols.

Attacks have included the shocking attempted rape of two 10-year-old girls at a bus stop.